Clergyman's

It is disconcerting to find that an acquaintance considers you his best friend, his soul mate, but I could do nothing about it.
- Bernard MacLaverty

When she met men the first things she took account of were the negative things. Wimpishness, a bully, shiftiness, recklessness, elaborate facial hair.
- Bernard MacLaverty

I always say that a man with one language is like a man with one eye.
- Bernard MacLaverty

Gerry had once said to her in the middle of an argument that he didn't believe in souls but if, just perchance, they did exist, hers would be like a razor. She had been made that way by the Catholic Church, he said. Inflexible, narrow, capable of doing terrible damage by her adherence to rules and systems. But she totally objected. She told him that if she was a good person at all, it had come from her religion. If she had any sense of justice and fairness, any concept of equality, then it had come from the Church.
- Bernard MacLaverty

Since Belfast, he always sat in a chair facing the door.
- Bernard MacLaverty

You can't choose your children.
- Bernard MacLaverty

What happened to you? You're nothing but appetite.
- Bernard MacLaverty

They are angry men with vision, Brother, and by God their anger is justified. Ireland has not much longer to suffer. Her misery will soon be over and we'll be a united country again.""
""Yes,"" said Brother Sebastian, ""but I don't like their methods.""
""Nor do I, Brother. Nor do I. But do you like the methods of the British Government any better?
- Bernard MacLaverty

There's not much you can do in this world without people getting to know.
- Bernard MacLaverty